Baby (BOY) Update

Hi. I feel a little self conscious about dumping my gross pregnant problems onto you, so if you want to keep it light and fluffy, I don’t blame you one bit — see you tomorrow! For everyone else, I decided I should stop being so cryptic because you’re probably all imaging worse things than are actually happening, like maybe I’m growing a hydatiform mole in my stomach. Or a Snooki. But no, it’s just a baby. And he looks great, and also very well hung if I may say so myself.

The problem is that I have this giant bleed in between my uterine wall and amniotic sac called a subchorionic hemorrhage. It’s actually not that uncommon; what’s uncommon is the size (ginormous) and how late it appeared in the pregnancy (2nd trimester). Also it doesn’t seem to be absorbing and shrinking, which means that every time I go to the bathroom and blood comes out (sorry, but this is my life right now), I start panicking that the baby is next. This occurs on almost an hourly basis.

But the clot appears to be stable for now, and the baby is stable for now. So really all I can do is wait and stress out and do very little in the way of work. Who’s going to do all the wallpapering for me? And the painting??? I have TWO hunky baby rooms to design and unless I learn how to wiggle my nose and make magic happen, I don’t know how it’s all going to come together.

You know what, big effing deal. It will probably make the blog boring since there will be a little more conversation and a little less action, but I’ll do my best to spice things up. With blood and guts (hopefully kidding).

Now let’s get busy dreaming up some fancy boy rooms. I really thought it was a girl so that penis threw me for a loop, but luckily I already have experience in the field.

Please vent and dump all you want. Living with men, exclusively, for the last 17 years, makes me completely immune to anything gross…like having to clean urine off the bathroom floor every.damn.morning because someone can’t be bothered to open their eyes before dawn. See, now that’s GROSS. But seriously, this is so scary. I wish I could make it all better. If there is anything I can do to help, and it sounds so lame to write that, please, don’t hesitate.

My sister had one of those bad boys and now a dear friend is on bed rest with one. Very scary, but my sis (who had a massive 2nd trimester one that lasted a loooong time) now has my gorgeous baby neph who’s 99% percentile in everything and clearly did not suffer a bit (apparently, that’s mom’s job). She was on bedrest for what seemed like ever, but it was worth it in the end. Now I’m trying to keep my friend entertained while she tries to think good thoughts and not move around too much. She’s going a little nuts with the inactivity, and I think she’s watched Amelie three times. Keep your hands busy and your brain occupied with hopeful, forward-looking things–like baby decor! Avoid terrifying pregnancy forums, unless confronting other people’s bad news is how you get through stressful stuff (hey, we’re all different!). Mostly, just take good care and let the days pass with as little movement as possible. Old school, but it works.

erin::February 24, 2012 at 11:12 am::

Karly, that reference speaks directly to my soul.

Thanks, everyone, for the well wishes!

erin::February 24, 2012 at 11:13 am::

Thank you, subtle rudder. Stories like these make mama very very very happy!

SO sorry you’re having such a stressful time…but that boy (boys rule!) will make it all worth it. I wish I lived closer so I could join Karly and be your decor slave…you could just direct and we execute for you!!! Hang in there…thinking of you and hoping it doesn’t get you too discouraged.

Praying for a quick and healthy pregnancy!! Congrats on baby boy! I’m pregnant (22 weeks) with baby boy # 3 right now. (Boys are the best!!)I have had bed rest every pregnancy, so far, because of pre-term labor. Just listen to your body- I know when I push myself too far- and remember it’s all worth it in the end! Congrats again, can’t wait to see what gorgeous nursery you come up with for that sweet boy!!

Leah::February 24, 2012 at 11:35 am::

congrats on another boy! please take care of yourself– I know it must be hard to chill when you have stuff to do (like decorate!). so sorry you are having to worry! vent all you want and we’ll try to keep you positive! xo

By the way I had no clue that Ike’s full name was Isaac….we just decided on Isaac for this baby. Great minds think alike!! ; ) Hang in there!

erin::February 24, 2012 at 11:39 am::

Yep — Isaacs are the best!!!

Good luck to you, too. I know it’s tough!

the misfit::February 24, 2012 at 11:42 am::

I would be sooo frustrated to have the TIME to decorate, and the NEED to decorate, but be FORBIDDEN to decorate. But despite my super-type-A ness, I do know that decorating can happen later. Preserving the life and health of a small person (and a big person) is essential. If I were in Texas (and if there should be a tornado that materializes in MD and dumps me in Texas), I would be delighted to hang wallpaper all over your house. I am about 95% competent at this point (with a non-challenging wall), so that would be an interesting experience for you :).

Think of it this way: acquisition planning is a HUGE part of the design/decor process. And you will have that DOWN.

Uggh, as everyone else said so eloquently, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this, but you definitely have your priorities straight. Decor can wait, babies can’t. And congrats on another boy! I just have one of each so my kids will miss out on that same-sex camaraderie, but mama’s not having any more so they’ll have to get over it. I remember when I saw that little something extra on the ultrasound the second time around – totally threw me for a loop as I was used to girl world. But he’s the sweetest little mama-lovin munchkin in the world. Take care and just blog about inspirations and not actual work (that’s what I do anyway most of the time and don’t have a little bun in my oven). We’ll love you either way. Oh, and as a Memphis native, loved the Elvis reference.

Oh sweet Erin, rest rest rest! You pregnancy ills sound awful and scary and huge. I’m so sorry. But when it’s over you will have cooked up another fabulous baby boy. Eyes on the prize. We’ve had tornado threats today around Atlanta. I’m with Misfit… If one popped up tonight and dumped me in Austin, I’d happily hang wallpaper, strip/stain, paint, push, shove for you. Sending much love to you.

I’m still crossing all my bits & pieces & will continue to!Just think how well planned out your house will be when you actually get to do it!!

Congrats on being clever to grow bits that you dont even have for the second time!
xx

mb::February 24, 2012 at 8:37 pm::

Say the word, Karly and I can be your design slaves. (Not speaking for Karly, except that she has already weighed in with the offer) (I can toot on down 35)
I am terrible at hanging wallpaper. Paint, I am good at. Hauling stuff around? I am a pro.
Stay in bed. I healthy baby is what it is all about. You won’t remember this stuff when your are burping your wee one in a few months.
mb

I watched a woman giving birth on Oprah once, there was surround sound and everything! I can handle “gross pregnant problems dumping” like a BOSS! Congratulations on having another boy. Boys are the best, I’m one. As long as the “more conversation” means more Francois Halard (World of Interiors/Russian decor mag craziness), I’m on board. I’d offer to hang wallpaper, but who am I kidding, I live in Cape Town and outsource everything that requires manual labour. My advice, outsource to family and friends.

Erin, you, baby boy and the rest of your family are in my prayers. May you have complete healing, experience perfect rest and have the most amazing, blessed pregnancy ever.

I think it’s wonderful that you’re opening up and sharing these things on your blog. I know lots of moms who turn to the internet for advice and comfort when something crazy happens in a pregnancy and blogs have kept them sane…just connecting with other women and knowing you aren’t alone is tremendous. I would love to help you tackle the babies rooms if you want. Email me!